Describe the organizational structure of a political party.

Organisational structure of a political party

A political party is usually organised as a hierarchy of committees stretching from the national level down to the grassroots. The typical structure is as follows:

1. National level. The National Convention is the supreme organ; it makes party policy, amends the party constitution and elects national officers. Between conventions the National Executive Committee, headed by the National Chairman and National Secretary, runs the party's affairs.
2. State or Regional level. The State Executive Committee, headed by a State Chairman and Secretary, coordinates party activities within the state and links it to the national headquarters.
3. Local government or constituency level. Local branch committees organise the party within each local government area or constituency.
4. Ward level. Ward committees mobilise members and voters within the wards.
5. Grassroots or polling-unit level. The smallest unit, made up of the ordinary card-carrying members, is where the party recruits members and canvasses votes.

The party also maintains organs such as the Board of Trustees, the caucus and various standing committees (finance, disciplinary, publicity), together with auxiliary youth and women's wings.